Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is proud to celebrate three national award successes across two prestigious UK award ceremonies, shining a spotlight on the exceptional work of its Freedom of Information (FOI) Team and Joint Cyber Security Team.
Together, the wins from the 2026 eCase FOI Awards and the Cyber Associates Network (CAN) Awards 2026 demonstrate the Trust’s unwavering commitment to excellence, transparency, high quality information governance and cyber resilience.
The Trust’s The Freedom of Information (FOI) Team has been named Team of the Year at the 2026 eCase FOI Awards. In addition, Sadie Bell, Director of Information Governance and Cyber Security Assurance and Data Protection Officer, received a Highly Commended commendation for Practitioner of the Year.
Held on Wednesday 4 March, the eCase Freedom Of Information (FOI) Awards celebrate excellence, innovation, and leadership throughout the UK’s public sector FOI community. This year’s recognition reflects the Trust’s strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and high-quality information governance.
The Trust’s FOI Team was praised for its outstanding performance, robust best‑practice processes, innovative approaches, and collaborative working style, all of which have helped strengthen open access to information across the organisation.
Sadie Bell’s commendation acknowledged her leadership, deep expertise, and substantial impact both within the Trust and across the NHS. Her work includes supporting organisations under Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) enforcement notices to significantly raise their FOI compliance standards.
The Trust’s FOI achievements have been featured by the Information Commissioner’s Office in its March newsletter, which highlighted the team’s work as a best‑practice national case study.
Paula Anderson, Chief Finance Officer and Deputy Chief Executive, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are incredibly proud of our FOI Team and of Sadie’s much‑deserved recognition. Their work reflects our focused commitment to transparency, public trust, and continuous improvement.
“This national recognition demonstrates not only the high quality, focused work they produce to uphold incredibly important standards held at Trust level, but how this also positively contributes to ways of working and standards across the wider local NHS system. We are grateful for their dedication and congratulate them on this outstanding achievement."
In addition, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare is delighted to celebrate the success and recognition colleagues have received at the Cyber Associates Network (CAN) Awards 2026, which highlight excellence in cyber security across health and social care.
Announced on 6 March, the Trust’s Joint Cyber Security Team achieved Highly Commended for the Team of the Year Award, recognising their outstanding contribution to cyber resilience across the Trust. The judges highlighted the team’s strengths across key criteria, including:
• Best practice and performance – delivering robust cyber security processes, strengthening risk management, and ensuring safe and secure systems.
• Commitment to transparency and assurance – promoting cyber awareness and embedding strong cyber safe culture across services.
• Service to stakeholders – providing timely, expert support to staff, improving cyber behaviours, and strengthening organisational readiness.
• Proactivity – driving continuous improvement, early risk identification, and implementation of innovative security measures.
This achievement reflects staff expertise, their collaborative approach, and the vital role they play in protecting the Trust, its systems and service users across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Cyber Security Assurance Manager, Wale Micaiah, has also been recognised following a nomination for an Individual Award at the CAN Awards 2026. This was the most nominated category and to be nominated and then shortlisted to the final four demonstrates the high value and impact of his contribution to cyber security across the Trust.
Wale’s nomination which led to him being shortlisted showcased excellence in:
• Best practice and technical performance – consistently applying high standards, improving cyber controls, and supporting secure operational practice.
• Commitment to cyber resilience – raising awareness, mentoring colleagues, and driving improvements in secure digital behaviours.
• Service to staff and partners – offering approachable, expert guidance and supporting teams to understand and respond to cyber risks.
• Proactivity and innovation – identifying opportunities for improvement, contributing to more resilient processes, and championing a culture of digital safety.
Sadie Bell, Director of Information Governance and Cyber Security Assurance, Data Protection Officer said: “I am immensely proud of our Joint Cyber Security Team. This recognition in the Team of the Year category reflects their dedication, technical expertise, and the vital role they play in keeping our systems, staff, and patients safe every day. I would also like to congratulate Wale on his nomination for an Individual Award. Wale’s commitment to strengthening cyber resilience and supporting colleagues across the Trust is really valued.
“These achievements highlight the exceptional talent we have within our organisation and the strong culture of collaboration and continuous improvement that underpins our cyber security work.”
Congratulations to everyone involved and for these achievements.